What should you know about Meniere's disease?

The inner ear helps control hearing and balance. In Meniere's disease, changes in the fluid environment of the inner ear are thought to disrupt these functions. Episodes may involve a spinning sensation, imbalance, ringing in the ears, muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in one ear. Hearing may fluctuate, and attacks can be unsettling even when they settle. Similar symptoms can arise from migraine, ear conditions, medicines or other balance disorders, so symptoms alone do not establish the diagnosis.

Keep a diary recording episode timing, duration, hearing changes, ear noise, food or drink patterns, illness, stress and medicines. During vertigo, sit or lie somewhere safe, avoid driving and ask someone to stay nearby if you feel unsteady. A GP Consultation can review possible causes and arrange referral. A Hearing Test documents hearing at the time of assessment and helps compare future changes. Your clinician may discuss symptom treatment and practical ways to reduce fall risk.

Seek emergency help for sudden hearing loss, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain or difficulty walking that is unlike your usual episodes. Arrange prompt review for repeated vertigo, new one-sided hearing loss, persistent vomiting or falls. Do not assume a new neurological symptom is part of Meniere's disease.

Do my symptoms fit an inner-ear disorder, migraine or another cause? Should I have a Hearing Test or specialist review? What should I do during an attack, and how can I reduce fall risk? Which changes would require urgent assessment?